WBA ‘regular’ super flyweight titleholder Joshua ‘El Profesor’ Franco 17-1-2 (8) 1NC is promising a strong showing when he takes on Andrew ‘The Monster’ Moloney 21-1 (14) 1NC for the third time at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday night.
In their first fight in Las Vegas in June last year Franco finished strongly to drop the Australian in the 11th and secure the victory by scores of 114-113, 115-112 and 114-113.
The immediate rematch in Las Vegas in November was mired in controversy. Moloney caused severe swelling under Franco’s right eye, causing the bout to be halted at the end of the second round. It appeared to be a clear-cut TKO victory but as referee Russell Mora had initially called the swelling to be the result of a headclash the ruling was a no contest.
Even an almost 30-minute long review of the footage by the Nevada State Athletic Commission failed to overturn the result.
Franco continues to insist the damage was caused by a headclash but even the 25-year-old from San Antonio, Texas must be hoping for a definitive result on their trilogy fight to clear away any doubt.
“It means everything to me. This fight means a lot and that’s why I prepared myself the very best in the gym,” Franco said.
“Winning this fight and making the statement I want to make will open up bigger doors for me. There were no issues at camp. Camp went very well, very good, so I’m ready to go.
“Expect a great fight, a great show, fireworks, and expect for me to make a statement Saturday night.
“[The rematch] was only two rounds. Two rounds don’t really show much. To me, the fight was going the same way as the first fight, but that’s why we’re making the third fight, to take care of business. I’m ready for that.”
Moloney, 30, will be having his third fight in a row in the United States and will be facing Franco for the third time in 14 months.
“I think you can expect a great fight. I know Franco is going to be more determined this time around after the criticism he’s copped since that last fight and the whole world knowing that I should be the champ right now,” Moloney said.
“But I’m coming even more determined with more to prove and as I said, I’m doing this for my family and this is going to be a great night and I’m going to come out with that belt like I should’ve.
“It’s hard to put into words how much this means to me. I feel like my whole life I’ve dedicated to this sport. The last 18 years I’ve given this sport everything I’ve got and all the hard work and all the sacrifices I’ve made will all be worth it when I become two-time champion on Saturday night.
“And this is for my family as well. We’ve locked ourselves in a house for training camp and have been very safe to make sure that nothing gets in the way of this fight happening and it’s a pleasure to be back over here in America. I really feel like this is my second home now.
“I feel very comfortable here and look forward to putting on a great show for everyone on Saturday night.
“I know 100 percent deep down inside there was no headbutt. The whole world knows there was no headclash and if you watch the replay, you’ll see at 1:36 left in round one, I land a jab that shuts his eye. I knew that on the night and I’m even more sure of it now.”
